Essential Tremor

[steadyshaker]

Hello to everyone here at the Essential Tremor section of The Neurology Channel. My name is Ron. I've been reading here for some time and finally decided to join up so I could post. Thanks to everyone for all the friendly and informative posts. I look forward to being a part of the discussion in this fine community.

I am 55 years old and have had ET to some degree for about 15 to 20 years. It has progressed to the point I am searching for more answers. I am a plumber so my fine motor skills are definitely suffering and at times can be a bit of a challenge, especially when doing things such as soldering.

I have taken mild doses of propranolol for quite some time and it seems to help somewhat. I have mixed feelings about the propranolol.

Great to find this supportive community! Hope to be able to participate.

Ron

[macacoza]

Hello Ron!...Welcome! Read thru everything and get an idea of what and who is saying what...you think solderign is hard try putting on mascara!..hahaha... Hope to hear more from you!
deb

[steadyshaker]

Hello Ron!...Welcome! Read thru everything and get an idea of what and who is saying what...you think solderign is hard try putting on mascara!..hahaha... Hope to hear more from you!
deb

Thanks for the welcome! I'll take your word for it that putting on mascara is hard. I don't think I'll try it...I get enough funny looks as a shaker...I'd really get the looks if I tried wearing mascara. LOL! Gotta laugh about this thing to keep our sanity and keep on going. Again, thanks!

Ron

[macacoza]

Come to think of it...dont try mascara...you might look a tad funny...NOW..lipstick?? that is a real shaker!.. BUT, seriously..welcome and remember you are not in this alone! Have a wonderful Easter!
deb

[TremorTough]

Hi all! I am new to this panel also. I was just recently diagnosed about 6 months ago with ET. I have it in my right hand and everything I do including this is horrible. I was on propanalol also but since have stopped taking it, because I feel that there is no decrease. I don't understand how this could get worse and not have an underlying problem. I will continue to read the updates and subscribe to forums. Glad I found that I am not the only one that has this issue.

[macacoza]

you may need to do a combination of meds like I do to help control tremors. Talk to your Dr. and see if that may help...the combination works..alone the meds do not!
deb

[Unicorn71]

Hey Ron,
I just joined this forum and I really like it because I don't feel alone with ET anymore. Yes I agree some things are difficult to do but you have to keep pushing yourself. I was diagnosed with ET in 2004 and I have learned to live with it because I am in control of my life not ET. I too have found this forum quite informational and it really helps me to be able to talk to people with the same thing I deal with. You are right about laughing to keep your sanity because there was a time I thought I would go crazy with this until my husband started making jokes about it and they made me laugh and feel somewhat better. I have read a lot of stories and even posted my own. All I can say is keep your chin up and take it day by day.

Laurie

[macacoza]

Lot easier to deal with if you take it in stride and with a laugh or 2!..My hubby always says.." Shake me out a cup there, Deb"...that is for coffee...I find that if I get frustrated with something the tremors worsen. For instance tonite I was hooking up my new monitor and I coudl nto find the right plug in..I finally found it, but coudl nto ge tit in because I was shaking. Hubby ahd to do it for me...ugggg..BUT..then I sat down..took deep breaths..drank soem ice tea...and finished my task..lol..

[Unicorn71]

I can simpathize with you because my husband and I had to have our cat put to sleep tonight and all I could do was cry and the more I got upset the worse my shaking got, not to mention I have had a few bad days this week. My legs have been shaking for the past 2 days along with everything else. I'm hoping that it calms down in a day or 2. As far as the combination of meds I have tried that and they didn't work for me, but I'm glad to see that they work for someone.

[macacoza]

We had to have a horse put down about 8 months ago..real sweetheart of a guy...36 yrs old and he foundered in all 4 ft..he was great for my grandbabies...cried all day..so of course I shook all day too...
BUT...good newss...tomorrow my kids and grandkids will be here fo rthe weekend..I will be pooped come Sunday nite..but content...ahve a great weekend my friend
hugggggs
deb